West Valley Student's patriotic essay wins him trip

AUSTIN ROBERTS

When Austin Roberts sat down to write an essay in a class at West Valley last Spring, he didn't think anything would come out of it.

But his words struck a cord with American veteran's association AMVETS. Now in his sophomore year, Roberts will join winners from all 50 states all-expense-paid trip to Valley Forge.

"I didn't think I would win anything," Roberts said. "Winning at the school was a surprise, and winning state I just didn't believe it."

The theme of the AMVETS Americanism essay was to describe an ‘American hero.' Roberts put his own spin on the contest, and chose all soldiers and veterans as his American heroes.

"They are my heroes because they are willing to put their lives on the line to protect this beautiful country. They are willing to be away from their families for as long as it takes to get the job done. Of course they would rather be at home celebrating birthdays and holidays but they aren't because they were willing to make the sacrifice," Roberts wrote.

AMVETS national program director Beryl Love said the Americanism essay program is often referred to as the signature program of AMVETS. The contest is designed to give young people a better appreciation of being American citizens, and an understanding of the contribution veterans have made to American ideals and freedoms.

The local AMVETS post in Redding gets the word out about the essay contest to the community. West Valley was one of the schools they talked to about the contest — and it produced many local winners, including Roberts.

"We have been asking the local schools to enter the competition for the past few years," local AMVET member Debbie Johnson said. "It's always good to renew the spirit of patriotism, and so many younger people don't know all of the organizations in their towns. This makes them more aware of the veterans and gives them that connection."

Contest winner Roberts said his experience as an essay winner has made him pay closer attention to conversations about America and its veterans.

"I think about it more now," he said.

Roberts is also looking forward to learning more during his four-day trip to Valley Forge this fall, an opportunity made possible by AMVETS and the Freedoms Foundation. Roberts and other essay winners will be immersed in American History.

"It's an outstanding opportunity," AMVETS program director Love said.

"It will really immerse them in the constitution, and the beginning of the revolutionary period as to how the country really evolved," Love said.

During the Freedoms Foundation Spirit of America youth Conference, Roberts will get to participate in a mock court trial, dissect and debate the constitution and visit historic military fields.

Robert's mom, Vickie Vance, said she's proud of her son and excited for him to have this opportunity.

"I think it will be a lot of fun for him. He's going to have a whole new experience being away and meeting new people from all over the United States," Vance said.